The martinis were chilled, the mood was celebratory, and a terrific time was had by the 550 guests who attended Boys & Girls Clubs of Carlsbad’s 33rd Annual Gala to celebrate “The Greatest Club On Earth!” at the Omni La Costa Resort & Spa.

The dynamic Wayne Foster Music and Entertainment provided sensational sounds that kept the dance floor packed all night. Additional touches included a singing performance by Club members, a candy bar, a photo booth complete with dress-up props, and even a dancing stilt walker! The event was emceed by Kimberly Hunt and her husband, Billy Ray Smith. Honorary Chairs Ann and David Kulchin were recognized for their many significant contributions to not only the Boys & Girls Club, but the city of Carlsbad.

“I am so proud of the fun, memorable evening we created,” said Chair Barbi Nelson. “I loved seeing all of our guests take selfies wearing their clown noses!” Co-Chair Viola Wheelihan added “Thanks to the talented members of the event committee, we were able to exceed our fundraising goals, which means Carlsbad’s kids are the real winners.”

Proceeds from the event go directly towards operating funds for Boys & Girls Clubs of Carlsbad, which has played an integral role in the Carlsbad community since 1952. For more information regarding Boys & Girls Clubs of Carlsbad or your own personal tour, please call (760) 444-4893, visit www.bgccarlsbad.org, or email info@bgccarlsbad.org.

Thanks to the generosity of Activ8 Athleticism, young athletes who participate in sports programs through the Boys & Girls Clubs of Carlsbad are being given a first-class athletic development experience.

“Activ8 Athleticism has tailor-made specific training programs for each sport,” says Nigel Cabral, the Club’s Athletic Director. “Thanks to their efforts, our kids are developing coordination, balance, and body awareness, in turn improving their confidence level and long-term enjoyment of the sport, as well as reducing injuries.”

For the official word from the Boys & Girls Clubs of Carlsbad, please follow the jump.

Few have done more for the City of Carlsbad than the former Mayor. He served on the Town Council for 40 years (the last 24 of those as Mayor).

“Mayor Lewis embodied the very best of Carlsbad,” said Mayor Matt Hall, who succeeded Lewis in 2010. “He devoted his life to public service and remained committed to the principles of a fair and open local government, accessible to everyone regardless of social or economic status. His values helped shape the city we are today, effectively managing growth to maintain an excellent quality of life, a strong and diverse economy, and an involved citizenry.”

“Mayor Lewis was my teacher first, then my colleague and ultimately my friend,” said Mayor Pro Tem Mark Packard. “He always took the long term view. Whether talking about how to manage growth or address our critical water supply challenges, he laid the groundwork to make sure our city would continue to thrive long after he was gone. That is a sign of a great leader.”

“Mayor Buddy Lewis was a rare politician who won people over while remaining true to himself,” said City Council Member Lorraine Wood, who served as City Clerk during Lewis’ mayoral tenure. “He wasn’t prone to telling people what they wanted to hear, but he told them the truth. He stayed true to the motto that what was right for Carlsbad wasn’t always popular, and what was popular wasn’t always right.”

“Mayor Lewis was a humble man who never forgot his roots,” said Council Member Keith Blackburn. “He was a man of integrity, and he brought that to the office every day, trying to do what was best for Carlsbad, its residents and its businesses.”

“When I served on the Carlsbad Planning Commission, I saw the result of Mayor Lewis’ legacy every day,” said Council Member Michael Schumacher. “He made sure we maintained high standards, and as a result of his hard work he left Carlsbad a better place than he found it.”

Lewis’ wife Beverly (pictured right) died in May of 2011. Our thoughts go out to Mayor Lewis’ family, friends, and the entire city of Carlsbad. For the official word from the City, please follow the jump. [click to continue…]